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Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• What is hysteroscopy?
• Why is hysteroscopy done?
• How is hysteroscopy performed?
• What are the risks and complications of hysteroscopy?
• What is the outlook after hysteroscopy?
• Hysteroscopy At A Glance
• Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
• Hysteroscopy Index

What are the risks and complications of hysteroscopy?

It is expected to experience light vaginal bleeding and some cramping after the hysteroscopy procedure. Some cramping may be felt during the procedure, depending upon the type of anesthesia.

Complications of hysteroscopy are rare and include perforation of the uterus, bleeding, infection, damage to the urinary or digestive tract, and medical complications resulting from reactions to drugs or anesthetic agents. Accidental perforation of the uterus is the most common complication and occurs in 0.1% of diagnostic hysteroscopy procedures and 1% of therapeutic (surgical) hysteroscopies. Other rare complications are fluid overload or gas embolism (when gas bubbles enter the bloodstream) from the distending medium used in the procedure.

What is the outlook after hysteroscopy?

The outlook depends upon the individual case and the reason for hysteroscopy. Many minor surgical procedures can be successfully performed using hysteroscopy. Complications are rare, and most women recover with only minor post-procedure cramping and bleeding.

Hysteroscopy At A Glance

• Hysteroscopy is the visualization of the inside of the uterine cavity by inserting special visualization scopes through the vagina and cervical opening.
  
  
• Hysteroscopy can be carried out to aid in diagnosis or to perform minor surgical procedures.
  
  
• In many cases hysteroscopy can be performed as an outpatient (same-day) surgical procedure.
  
  
• Complications of hysteroscopy are rare. The most commonly reported complication is perforation of the uterus.

REFERENCE: Jansen FW; Vredevoogd CB; van Ulzen K; Hermans J; Trimbos JB; Trimbos-Kemper TC. Complications of hysteroscopy: a prospective, multicenter study. Obstet Gynecol 2000 Aug;96(2):266-70.